Filter apparatus

ABSTRACT

A filter apparatus including a housing and a filter member retainable therein. The filter apparatus is adapted to be securable at a variety of positions relative to the housing. A wedging mechanism is provided whereby, when the filter element is placed in a desired location relative to the housing, the wedging mechanism may be engaged, thereby not only securing the filter member into position, but also preferrably forming an occlusive seal between the filter element and the housing. Fluid is introduced into the filter apparatus by first side of the filter element and is allowed to exit the filter apparatus from a second side of the filter element.

This is a continuation of my co-pending application Ser. No. 626,474,filed July 2, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,628, which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 491,712, filed May 5, 1983, now abandoned, whichis a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 428,345, filed Sept.29, 1982, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to filter apparatus, and morespecifically relates to filter apparatus containing filter membersadapted to be adjustably securable within a housing to facilitateoptimal removal and interchangeability of filter elements.

Many filter apparatus, particularly of those designed for use inindustrial applications, include a conduit or housing and a rigid orsemi-rigid filter element contained therein. As an example, many ofthese filter elements are of a generally cylindrical form and have aninlet end into which the fluid flows. Filtering occurs when the fluidflow passes through the radial surfaces of the filter element. It willbe appreciated that the restriction of the filter element creates apressure differential across the filter element which the element mustwithstand. It will further be appreciated that this pressuredifferential may take on significant proportions, particularly in highflow rate or high fluid pressure environments. Therefore, it ispreferable to utilize a filter element which is of suitable constructionto withstand high differential pressures and which is suitablysupportable within the filter housing so as to provide optimal filterelement durability and reliability.

In many applications, and particularly in industrial applications, it isnot uncommon to encounter difficulty in manufacturing filter componentswithin close tolerances such that parts are easily interchangeable. Thisis particularly true with respect to filter elements which tend to be ofmaterials which are less rigid and much more difficult to form thanmachinable parts. Filter elements are typically expected to be removedat periodic intervals for servicing or replacement. At these times, itis often desirable that the filter element be quickly removable tominimize down time of the fluid system. Further, it is often preferablethat the filter element be replacable with another element. Because ofthe difficulty in exact dimensional duplication discussed above, toaccomplish this end, prior art methods have typically relied upon eitherspring mechanisms or boltably adjustable mechanisms to support thefilter element, such mechanisms typically located at one end of thefilter element. Spring mechanisms have an inherent drawback in thatthey, by design, have a resiliency which; (a) places a compression loadon a filter element when it is in an unpressured state and, (b) willyield when fluid pressure builds to a threshold level and thereby ceaseto properly support the filter element. Boltably adjustable mechanismsas found in the prior art are not only typically troublesome andtime-consuming to adjust, often requiring multiple "trial and error"fittings, but also are often impractical in many environments such as infilter apparatus used in systems containing corrosive fluids.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and apparatuswherein a filter element is relatively easily removable from a filterapparatus and is adjustable for variations in filter elementconstruction tolerances, which provides a solid support for the filtermember, and which is suitable for use in corrosive environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The filter apparatus of the present invention includes a housing havingfittings or orifices through which a fluid may enter and exist thehousing. A filter element is retained within the housing and is adaptedto be wedgedly secured to the housing at a plurality of positions. Inthe preferred embodiment, the housing is of a generally cylindrical formand the filter element includes a mounting member which is also of agenerally cylindrical form and which is slightly insertable into thehousing. The mounting member contains at least one groove along itsradial peripheral surface such groove having one extremity tapered tothe outer surface of the mounting member. Retained within the groove andcooperatively engaging to tapered surface thereof, is a flexible annularsealing ring adapted to engage the internal surface of the housing. Aring, at least partially insertable into the groove, is adapted to bedrawn into an increasingly proximal relation to the mounting member suchthat the ring acts upon the flexible annular seal forcing it radiallyoutwardly whereby it will wedgedly seal between the mounting member andthe housing, thereby securing the mounting member in relation to thehousing and providing an occlusive seal therebetween. A porous filtermember is attached to one surface of the mounting member and placed influid communication with one side of the mounting member. The oppositeside of the filter member is placed in fluid communication with the exitaperture of the housing. Also in a particular preferred embodiment, acontact block is provided at the distal end of the porous filter memberand a mechanism provided whereby this contact block is generallyretained in position relative to said housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a filter apparatus constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the filter elementof the filter apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a single mesh ring of the filter element of FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a single mesh ring, taken alonglines 4--4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a mesh ring index tab, taken alongline 5--5 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an internal view of an intended assembly of three mesh rings.

FIG. 7 is an extension drawing depicting the effective mesh of theassembled rings of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of afilter apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the filter apparatus of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, and particularly to FIG.1, therein is illustrated a filter apparatus 10 in accordance with thepresent invention. Filter apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 which ispreferably of a generally cylindrical form and may be constructed of anyrelatively rigid material adapted to withstand the pressures andconditions of the intended environment. Housing 12 includes an inletport 14 and an outlet port 16 through which fluid may enter and exit,respectively, filter apparatus 10. Housing 12 is sealed at a first end18 by an end cap 20 having a wedge-shaped annular seal of the typedescribed in my co-pending application, Ser. No. 428,345 entitled"Weld-Free All Pupose Seal For Closed Fluid Systems", the specificationof which is incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, first end seal 20includes a ring body 22, a flexible annular seal 24, and a wedge block26. Ring body 22 is secured in position relative to housing 12 by aplurality of pins (not illustrated) extending therebetween. A pluralityof bolts 27 extend through ring block 24 into wedge block 26 tofacilitate the drawing of the two parts into increasingly proximalrelation to one another. A downwardly-extending flange 28 along theradial periphery of ring body 22 fits within a groove 30 around theperipheral surface of wedge block 26, in which annular seal 24 isplaced. The lower surfaces of both groove 30 and annular seal 24 havecomplimentary, cooperatively engagable tapered surfaces such that asbolts 27 are rotated, drawing ring body 22 and wedge block 26 towardsone another, the tapered surfaces in groove 30 and on annular seal 24cause annular seal 24 to be forced radially outward, thereby sealablyengaging with internal surface 32 of housing 12.

Second end seal 34 is affixed to second end 36 of housing 12 in a mannersimilar to that discussed above with respect to first end seal 20. Aswill be discussed more fully later herein, second end seal wedge block38 preferably has a recess 40 formed therein. Also, as will be discussedlater herein, it is often desirable that recess 40 be coupled by meansof a sealable aperture 42 to the exterior of filter apparatus 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, therein in FIG. 2 is shown filterelement 44 in perspective view, showining block 46 contains inletpassage 48 composed of an inlet aperture 50, which may preferablycontain threads or other suitable means for coupling a conduit tomounting block 46, and an aperture 52 extending to upper surface 54 ofmounting block 46. Aperture 52 preferably extends along a radius for aless-than-semicircular dimension around mounting block 46. Similarly,mounting block 46 contains an exit passage 56 composed of an exitaperture 58, which also may contain threads or other means for couplingto a conduit, and an aperture 60 extending to lower surface 62 ofmounting block 46. Aperture 60 preferably also extends along a radiusfor a less-than-semicircular direction around mounting block 46. Thispartially circular form of apertures 52 and 60 maintains the flow areainto and out of filter apparatus 10. By forming apertures 52 and 60 ofless than semi-circular form, they may be placed along the same radiusof mounting block 46. Mounting block 46 also contains upper and lowervertical peripheral grooves, 64 and 66, respectively. The centralportions of grooves 64 and 66 have tapered surfaces comparable both tothat in groove 30 in upper wedge block 26 and to that found on lowerwedge 38. Disposed within each groove 64 and 66 is a flexible annularseal 68 and 70, appropriately oriented to cooperate with the taperedsurfaces of grooves 64 and 66. Boltably secured to mounting block 46 andupper and lower ring bodies 72 and 74, respectively. It will beappreciated that no pins are required to hold mounting block 46 inposition because, unlike end seals 20 and 34, mounting block 46 issupported by fluid pressure on both lateral sides. Any bias in fluidpressure will be on the inlet side of mounting block 46, biasing filterelement 44 to an increasingly secure position.

Threadably secured to mounting block 46 and extending from lower surface62 thereof, are a plurality of rods 76 spaced at preferably equalintervals around a given radius of mounting block 46. Stacked andassembled on rods 76 are a plurality of mesh rings 78 which will bedescribed more fully in relation to FIGS. 3 thru 7. Coupled to rods 76,at the lower end of stacked mesh rings 78, is bottom cap 80 whichpreferably will present a solid upper surface 82 to the stack of meshrings 78 and will have a downwardly extending block 84 which ispreferably of a cylindrical form. As will be discussed more fully laterherein, it is often desirable that block 84 have a central, downwardlyopening recess 86 and a plurality of apertures 88 extending from recess86 to the exterior of block 84.

In an intended application of filter element 44, a porous filter elementsuch as a filter bag 89 is disposed within the assembled stack of meshrings 78 in a manner known to the art. Bag 89 may be retained in placeby a wire ring 91 affixed to, or integral with, bag 89, ring 91 restingof a shoulder 103 in aperture 63 within mounting block 46.

Referring now to FIG. 3, therein is illustrated a single mesh ring 78,depicted from a top view. Mesh ring 78 is of a generally circular shapeand contains preferably externally extending abutments 88 to facilitatesuitable enclosures around apertures 90 through which the rods (76 inFIGS. 1 and 2) will pass. A plurality of ribs 92 preferably extend aboveand below body 94 of mesh ring 78. In a preferred embodiment, ribs 92are equidistantly spaced around semicircular portions of mesh ring 78,although, as will be apparent from the discussion to follow, in otherembodiments it may be preferable for ribs 92 to be placed at otherspacings on body 94. Viewing mesh ring 78 along diameter line "A-B", itwill be seen that a plate 95 containing an orienting recess 96 and tab(98 in FIG. 5) is found radially adjacent abutment A and abutment B. Itwill also be seen that, moving counterclockwise from abutment "A", firstrib 92 is located a distance "X" from the adjacent edge of plate 95.Still moving counterclockwise, the remainder of ribs 92 are then, inthis particular preferred embodiment, spaced a distance of 3X from thenearest edge of the previous adjacent rib 92. Starting now at abutment"B" and moving counterclockwise, it will be seen that the closest rib 92is spaced a distance 3X from the nearest adjacent edge of plate 95. Theremainder of ribs 92 in this second half of mesh ring 78 are thensimilarly spaced 3X from the adjacent edge of the next preceding rib 92.

It will be seen that each rib 92 preferably represents a generallyrectangular form when viewed from a position above or below mesh ring 78and proximate the axis thereof. It is to be understood that other formsof ribs 92 may effectively be utilized without departing from the scopeof the invention. For example, ribs 92 could be formed so as to presenta generally trapezoidal form to a view from above or below as describedabove, the broader of the two parallel surfaces of the trapezoidal riboriented to the exterior of mesh ring 78 so as to define a rectangularpath between adjacent ribs 92 or, also, for example, the trapezoidalribs might be oriented with the longer side oriented to the interior ofmesh ring 78 to facilitate a filter flow path form such as that commonlyreferred to in the trade as "wedge wire" associated with filtermaterials.

Referring now to FIG. 4, therein is illustrated a cross-sectional viewof mesh ring 78 along line 4--4 in FIG. 3, showing the profile of apreferred form of rib 92. In this particularly preferred embodiment,inner end 100 of rib 92 has a radius so as to present a bowed or roundedshoulder to the inside of mesh ring 78. It will be noted that rib 92preferably extends equidistantly above and below body of mesh ring 78.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein is illustrated a cross-sectional viewof mesh ring 78 along line 5--5 in FIG. 3, depicting plate B. Directlybeneath orienting recess 96 is orienting tab 98. The height 102 of plateB is preferably generally that of each rib 92.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, therein is shown in FIG. 6 a portion ofa stacked assembly of three mesh rings 78 in an intended assembledconfiguration. For clarity, only a few ribs 92 on each ring 78 have beenshown. It will be noted that the ribs 92 of center mesh ring 78B areinterposed between the vertically aligned ribs 92 of upper and lowermesh rings 78A and 78C. This interposition or offset is achieved in themesh ring assembly by orienting vertically adjacent rings 180° out ofphase with one another, i.e., orienting plate A above plate B over plateA of the tiered rings. The above-described asymmetrical spacing of theribs between the two halves of mesh ring 78 establish the rib offset.

FIG. 7 is an extension view of a filter constructed in accordance withthe present invention as shown in FIG. 6, With the fore-shortening ofribs 92 removed, it is possible to see the effective mesh presented tofluid flow within the filter element.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many materials maybe used for the construction of mesh rings 78. It is envisional that formost applications, moldable materials such as plastics, in someinstances fiber-filled, will be a suitable and optimally cost effextivematerial for mesh rings 78.

It will be appreciated that many alterations in the form of mesh rings78 as illustrated in this particular preferred embodiment may be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention. It willfurther be appreciated that while the mesh pattern illustrated is aparticularly preferred embodiment, other patterns of meshes known tothose skilled in the art may be mechanically constructed by appropriatealterations in the construction of mesh rings 78, and particularly inthe form or dimensions of ribs 92 and their arrangement on body 94 ofmesh ring 78.

Referring again to FIG. 1, when filter element 46 is fully assembled,the stack of mesh rings 78, along with bottom plate 80, are secured bynuts to rod 76 such that a generally rigid unit is formed. With firstend cap 70 removed, filter element 44 may be slidably inserted intohousing 12. Block 84 of bottom cap 80 enters recess 40 in lower wedgeblock 38 and filter element 44 may be inserted into housing 12 untilblock 84 is firmly seated within recess 40. Filter element 44 may thenbe rotated within housing 12 until inlet aperture 48 is aligned withaperture 14 and exit aperture 58 is aligned with aperture 16. Whenfilter element 44 is properly located, bolts 79 extending through upperand lower mounting rings 74 and 76, respectively, and mounting block 46are tightened so as to draw upper and lower mounting rings 74 and 76centrally toward mounting block 46, thereby urging flexible sealingrings 68 and 70 into sealing engagement with inner surface 36 of housing12. It will be appreciated that the position of filter element 44 withinhousing 12 is limited only by registry of mounting block apertures 48and 58 with apertures 14 and 16 in housing 12. By forming apertures 14and 16 in housing 12 of longitudinally-oriented oval forms, an extendedrange of adjustment may be facilitated.

In the operation of filter apparatus 10, as will be appreciated from thearrows indicating flow, the fluid flow will enter inlet passage 48 andflow to the top of mounting block 46 and then down through aperture 63to a location adjacent the stack of mesh rings 78, whereat the fluid mayflow through filter bag 89 and mesh rings 78 into annulus 105surrounding filter element 46. The fluid may then enter aperture 60 andexist filter apparatus 10 through outlet aperture 56.

In many applications, it is desirable to have provisions for cleansing,or "blowing down" of the filter apparatus. In the depicted embodimentthis is facilitated by the removal of plub 107 in aperture 42, therebypermitting fluid to pass through apertures 88 and recess 86 in block 84to exit filter apparatus 10 thereby, carrying any accumulated sludge orparticulate matter from filter apparatus 10.

Referring now to FIG. 8, therein is shown an alternative embodiment of afilter apparatus 150 in accordance with the present invention. Theessential functions of the components are similar to those described inresponse to the discussion of the previous embodiment and only thepertinent differences will be discussed here. It will be seen that aninlet fitting 160 is affixed to the exterior of housing 162. Similarly,an exit aperture 164 is located within second end wedge block 166.Accordingly, mounting block 168 does not require the inlet and outletaperture provisions of the prior embodiment and has only a centrallongitudinal aperture 170. Further, because of the different inlet andoutlet structure, mounting block 166 does not require the two spacedannular seals of the previous embodiment. Therefore, mounting block 166contains only one groove 167 and is cooperatively engaged with only onering body 168. It will be seen that the stacck of mesh rings 78 arecoupled to ring body 168 rather than to mounting block 166. The annularseal around mounting block 166 is activated in a manner similar to thatdescribed earlier with regard to the first end cap (20 in FIG. 1) of theprevious embodiment. The bottom plate is preferably extended, relativeto the previous embodiment, and contains extending struts 174 so as toprovide minimal restrictions to fluid flow toward exit aperture 164. Itwill be appreciated that without the restriction of achieving registrywith apertures in the housing, filter element 175 may be located atvirtually any desired longitudinal location within housing 162. It willfurther be appreciated that this facilitates the adjustment of filterelement length by adding or subtracting mesh rings 78 as may be desired.Thus, the filter element may be adjusted in response to variousconditions or environments without changing the filter housing.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the filter apparatus of FIG. 8 showing thegeneral form thereof and depicting securing bolts 172 by which upper endseal 174 is secured to housing 162. Also depicted are pins 175 extendingbetween housing 162 and the wedge block of upper end seal 179.

The operation of this alternative embodiment is again similar to thatdescribed with regard to the previous embodiments. The fluid will enterfilter apparatus 150 through inlet fitting 160, flow into aperture 170in mounting block 166, through mesh rings 78 into annulus 176 and out offilter apparatus 150 through exit aperture 164.

Many modifications and variations may be made in the methods andapparatus described herein and depicted in the accompanying drawingswithout departing substantially from the concept of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the proceeding discussion is exemplary only andis not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed, are defined as follows:
 1. A filter apparatus,comprising:a housing, said housing being sealed at a first end thereof;and a filter element, comprising;a mounting member, said mounting memberincluding a peripheral groove, said peripheral groove extending from afirst surface of said mounting member, at least a portion of said groovebeing tapered, a flexible sealing member disposed within said groove, aring at least partially insertable into said groove, and means forcausing said ring to enter said groove and to cause said sealing memberto wedge against the inner surface of said housing and for enabling saidring to seal over a range of longitudinal positions within said housing.2. A filter apparatus, comprising:a housing, said housing sealable at afirst end thereof; a filter element, said filter elementcomprising,means for positioning and sealing said filter element over arange of longitudinal positions within said housing, a porous memberextending from said positioning and sealing means, and a contact platecoupled to said porous member; a contact surface against which saidcontact plate may rest; and means for sealing a second end of saidhousing.
 3. The filter apparatus of claim 2, wherein said mounting meanscomprises:a mounting block, said mounting block having a firstcircumferential groove extending around said mounting block from a firstlateral surface thereof, said first groove having a tapered portionextending to the periphery of said mounting block; a first flexiblesealing member disposed within said first groove, said first sealingmember having a tapered surface cooperatively engaged with said taperedsurface of said first groove; a first ring member cooperatively engagedwith said first groove in said mounting block; and means for causingsaid first ring member to move relative to said first groove and to actupon said first flexible sealing member.
 4. A filter apparatuscomprising:a generally cylindrical housing, said housing sealed at oneend; means for sealing said housing at a second end; a filter element,comprising;a mounting block, said mounting block having a firstcircumferential groove extending around said mounting block from a firstlateral surface thereof, said first groove having a tapered portionextending to the periphery of said mounting block, a first flexiblesealing member disposed within sad first groove, said first sealingmember having a tapered surface cooperatively engaged with said taperedsurface of said first groove, a first ring member cooperatively engagedwith said first groove in said mounting block, means for causing saidfirst ring member to move relative to said first groove and to act uponsaid first flexible sealing member and for causing said ring member toseal with the adjacent portion of said housing at one position within arange of possible positions within said housing, a porous memberextending generally longitudinally from a second lateral surface of saidmounting block, and a contact block secured at the distal end of saidporous member; means for supporting said contact block relative to saidhousing; means for introducing a fluid flow into said filter apparatuson a first side of said porous member; and means for allowing a fluidflow to exit said filter apparatus from a second side of said porousmember.